Translation guide
The concept of passing down stories, history, or knowledge through spoken word rather than written records. In Japanese contexts, this often refers to folklore, myths, or cultural practices transmitted orally across generations.
The broad concept of transmitting cultural knowledge, stories, or history by word of mouth.
The standard academic term for 'oral tradition', used in anthropology, folklore studies, and history.
この地域の口承伝統は何世紀にもわたって受け継がれてきた。
The oral tradition of this region has been passed down for centuries.
Literally 'oral transmission', often used for teachings, secrets, or techniques passed down orally, especially in traditional arts or martial arts.
その秘伝は口伝でのみ伝えられている。
The secret teachings are transmitted only through oral tradition.
A shorter form of 'oral tradition', often used in compounds like 口承文学 (oral literature) or 口承文芸 (oral folklore).
口承文芸は文字を持たない文化で重要な役割を果たす。
Oral folklore plays an important role in cultures without writing.
Stories, legends, or myths passed down orally within a community.
Specifically refers to legends transmitted orally, as opposed to written legends.
この村には古い口承伝説が数多く残っている。
Many old oral legends remain in this village.
Folk tales or old stories, often told to children. While not exclusively oral, they are a key part of oral tradition.
祖母はよく昔話を聞かせてくれた。
My grandmother often told me old folk tales.
Myths, often originally part of oral tradition before being recorded. Use when referring to mythological narratives.
The practice of passing down specialized knowledge or skills orally from master to disciple.
As above, but specifically for esoteric or technical knowledge in traditional arts (e.g., tea ceremony, martial arts).
茶道の奥義は口伝で伝承される。
The secrets of the tea ceremony are transmitted through oral tradition.
Transmission from master to disciple, often implying oral and hands-on teaching.
この技は師弟相伝でのみ受け継がれる。
This technique is passed down only through master-disciple transmission.
Emphasizing the contrast between oral and written transmission.
Pattern meaning 'by oral tradition' or 'orally transmitted'. Useful for contrasting with written records.
この物語は口承によるもので、文字には記録されていない。
This story is from oral tradition and has not been recorded in writing.
A more explanatory phrase: 'transmit orally, not in writing'.
彼らの歴史は文字ではなく口で伝えられてきた。
Their history has been passed down orally, not in writing.
口承伝統 is the broad academic term for oral tradition as a cultural phenomenon. 口伝 is more specific, often implying secret or esoteric knowledge passed from master to disciple, and is common in traditional arts. Use 口承伝統 for general discussions of folklore or anthropology; use 口伝 when referring to the transmission of specialized skills or teachings.
口承 can be combined with other words to specify the type of oral tradition: 口承文学 (oral literature), 口承文芸 (oral folklore), 口承史 (oral history). These are useful in academic or formal contexts.
Many Japanese myths have been passed down orally.